DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

In the language of the New Testament, the Greek word κεφαλή (kephalē), meaning “head,” carries profound implications for leadership. Often translated as “leader” or “source,” the term goes beyond positional authority—it evokes responsibility, nourishment, and guidance. Just as the head directs the body, true leadership provides alignment, care, and strength.

Drawing on this ancient metaphor—seen in scriptural references to Christ as the “head of the body” (Colossians 1:18)—let’s explore a leadership model rooted in three integrated dimensions:

• Strategic Insight (Head)
• Relational Integrity (Heart)
• Purposeful Stewardship (Hands/Steward)

This kephale-structure encourages leaders not just to think clearly, but to lead wisely, love deeply, and steward faithfully.

PS! I have served 20+ years in christian churches, schools and mission organizations, and this blog-post reflect that. Some of the names and quotes may be unknown to you, but still the kephale-structure can be worth your time. Enjoy!

---

Strategic insight (Head)

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18

Kephale-leaders begin with strategic clarity. They are not reactive managers, but vision-shapers—those who create direction amidst complexity.

Vision Crafting

Leaders act as vision-bearers, articulating meaning beyond metrics. Like Nehemiah, who saw more than rubble—he saw restoration—leaders are called to define what’s worth building.

Traits of kephale visionaries:

• Clarity: Communicating a simple, vivid direction
• Contextual awareness: Reading culture, timing, and trends
• Conviction: Casting bold futures grounded in shared purpose

Systems Thinking

A kephale-leader understands the interconnectedness of organizational life. Just as the human nervous system coordinates from the head, leaders must recognize patterns, dependencies, and leverage points.

Practices include:

• Mapping system dynamics
• Designing adaptive processes
• Breaking silos through intentional collaboration

Informed Decision-Making

Biblical leaders like Solomon exemplified wisdom—seeking understanding before judgment. Today’s leaders need data-informed, value-aligned decisions that blend reason and discernment.

Tools:

• Diverse inputs and counsel
• Time for reflection, not just reaction
• Transparent decision-making frameworks

---

Relational integrity (Heart)

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23

Strategy without sincerity leads to mistrust. Kephale-leadership emphasizes emotional intelligence, empathy, and humility.

Presence & Listening

Christ’s ministry often began with presence—being with, not just doing for. Likewise, effective leaders practice active listening and grounded presence.

Impact:

• Builds psychological safety
• Surfaces hidden tensions or innovation
• Models respect across all roles

Authenticity & Vulnerability

In Scripture, we see leaders like David confess and grow through weakness. Vulnerability invites strength—not through perfection, but through trustworthiness.

In practice:

• Admitting limits without losing credibility
• Sharing personal learning openly
• Asking for support or advice

Nurturing Growth

Leadership is generative. As Paul invested in Timothy, modern leaders are called to develop, not just direct—creating a culture where others rise.

Tools:

• Regular 1:1 development dialogues
• Delegation that stretches and supports
• Celebrating process, not just outcome

---

Stewardship & responsibility (Steward)

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26

The heart of kephale-leadership lies in stewardship—managing power, people, and purpose with integrity. Authority is not a throne; it’s a trust.

Purposeful Serving

Like Christ washing feet, leaders serve the whole—balancing performance with care, and efficiency with meaning.

Core practices:

• Aligning operations with human dignity
• Valuing purpose over profit alone
• Ensuring that all stakeholders benefit

Ethical Accountability

Scripture calls leaders to be shepherds who protect and guide, not exploit. Kephale-leaders welcome accountability—they don’t fear it.

Guardrails:

• Transparent governance
• Clear ethical standards
• Openness about failure and repair

Legacy & Culture

Moses never entered the promised land, but he discipled a people for it. Legacy in leadership is measured not by tenure, but by culture passed forward.

Ways to build legacy:

• Storytelling that anchors shared values
• Empowering next-generation leaders
• Structuring sustainability into systems

---

Integrating the three dimensions

Dimension	Key practice	Organizational outcome
Head (Strategy)	Quarterly vision & scenario planning	Alignment & agility
Heart (Relation)	Weekly feedback rituals & open-door time	Trust, morale, and belonging
Steward (Ethics)	Culture rituals, KPIs on values/impact	Accountability, credibility, long-term legacy

Kephale-leaders live in the creative tension of boldness and humility, strategy and empathy, authority and service.

---

Why kephale-structure matters now

Complexity Requires Wisdom

In volatile times, command-control fails. Kephale-structure cultivates resilient cultures that think systemically, act relationally, and lead ethically.

Engagement Requires Trust

Burnout, disillusionment, and disengagement plague workplaces. A leadership model that honors human dignity builds real trust.

Impact Requires Integration

Siloed leadership leads to short-term wins and long-term damage. Kephale-structure weaves coherence between what we do, how we do it, and why it matters.

---

Developing kephale-leadership

Cultivate the Head:

• Schedule weekly strategic reflection
• Engage external trends and divergent views
• Articulate the “why” behind every direction

Deepen the Heart:

• Practice undistracted listening
• Share honest reflections
• Normalize feedback and dialogue

Strengthen the Steward:

• Define ethical non-negotiables
• Make values visible in policy and practice
• Mentor with intentionality

---

Leadership today isn’t about control—it’s about convergence: of head, heart, and hands.

The kephale-model invites us to lead as Christ leads:

• With vision, like the Good Shepherd who goes before (John 10:4)
• With presence, like the Savior who wept and rejoiced with others (John 11:35)
• With sacrifice, like the servant who gave all for those He led (Phil 2:5–8)

Finally: Pause… to reflect:

1. Where do you lead most naturally—head, heart, or steward?
2. Where might you grow to lead more holistically?
3. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

Let your leadership think boldly, care deeply, and serve faithfully.
That is the mark of a kephale-leader in our time.